The collar is one of the most important parts of a shirt, and its stiffness affects the aesthetics and professional appearance. When the collar loses its shape, the shirt can look less well-groomed. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that will allow you to restore the collar's former stiffness and improve the appearance of the entire shirt.
1. Using Starch Spray
Starch spray is one of the most effective ways to restore collar stiffness. It can be purchased at most home improvement stores or supermarkets.
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Preparing the Shirt: Lay the shirt out on an ironing board, making sure the collar is completely smooth and straight.
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Starch Application: Spray the collar evenly with starch, holding the spray about 20-30 cm away from the material. Make sure the entire surface of the collar is covered with starch.
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Ironing: Iron the collar using an iron set to the appropriate temperature for the material. Wet ironing, immediately after applying starch, will stiffen the collar and give it the right shape.
2. Ironing with Vinegar
Vinegar is a great home remedy for restoring the stiffness of a collar, especially if you want to avoid using chemicals.
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Preparation of the Solution: Mix one part vinegar with two parts water.
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Soaking the Collar: Soak the collar in the solution for a few minutes, then gently squeeze out excess liquid.
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Ironing: Iron the collar on an ironing board, using a moderate temperature. The vinegar will help stiffen the fabric and restore the collar to its original shape.
3. Sewing in stiffening inserts (underwires)
If the collar is badly damaged or has lost its stiffness altogether, sewing in stiffening inserts, called stays, may be the best solution. Stays are commonly used in dress shirts to keep the collar stiff.
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Choosing Inserts: You can find special collar stiffeners in sewing supply stores. Choose the right size stays for your shirt.
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Sewing in Bones: You can do this yourself or take the shirt to a seamstress. If you are repairing it yourself, cut out small pockets in the inside of the collar and then sew in the bones. This will ensure that the collar maintains its perfect shape all day long.
4. Ironing with Starch
Starch is a traditional way to stiffen fabrics, including shirt collars.
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Preparing the Starch: Dissolve a small amount of starch in water, according to the instructions on the package, to obtain a gentle solution.
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Soaking the Collar: Soak the collar in the starch solution for a few minutes, then squeeze out any excess liquid.
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Ironing: Iron the collar while still damp, at the appropriate temperature. The starch will stiffen it and make it look fresh and elegant.
5. Using Hot-Stick Tape for Stiffening
If the collar is made of a thin material, heat-adhesive tape can be an effective solution to restore its rigidity.
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Purchasing Heat Adhesive Tape: Choose heat adhesive tape suitable for fabrics, available at tailoring stores.
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Applying the Tape: Lay the collar on an ironing board and place the heat-adhesive tape on the inside of the collar.
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Ironing: Iron the collar through a thin cloth or towel to activate the adhesive. The tape will reinforce the collar structure without changing its appearance.
6. Ironing with a Light Steam Iron
If you do not want to add any additional substances, sometimes proper ironing is enough to restore the collar to its shape.
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Preparing the Collar: Lay the collar out on an ironing board, preferably while it is still slightly damp from washing.
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Steam Ironing: Set the iron to the steam function and gently iron the collar, using movements in one direction. The steam will make the fabric fibers relax and then fix them in the right shape.
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Finishing: Once the collar is dry and ironed, leave it to cool so that the material sets in its new shape.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Collar Stiff Longer
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Regular Washing and Ironing: Care for your collar by washing your shirt according to the instructions on the tag and ironing it while still slightly damp.
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Avoid Bend Your Collar: Try to store your shirt on a hanger so that the collar maintains its shape and does not get deformed.
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Using Specialty Collar Stiffeners: You can try dedicated collar stiffeners, which come in spray or insert form, to keep your collar in tip-top condition.
These simple methods will restore the stiffness of your shirt collar and make it look like new.
